A breastfeeding support group for black mothers was created by Washtenaw County WIC last year with the goal of lowering the racial disparity in breastfeeding rates. “Being able to meet up with other mothers of color, other mothers who look like me, I feel more supported and welcomed,” says Najma Treadwell, a member of the group. “We get to connect with other moms. To have that is awesome, and to know it’s in your community. These are people right here, in Washtenaw County, where I live, where I shop.”

After Anita Stewart suffered from a series of strokes and the accompanying medical bills, she went to Faith in Action for help. Faith in Action, an essential support provider in Chelsea, then referred her to get a free prescription, but not one that could be filled at a pharmacy.

Washtenaw County Health Department’s Prescription for Health program writes “prescriptions” for fresh fruits and vegetables. The prescription may be filled at local farmers markets and is worth a total of $100.

Nearly half of deaths related to opioids in Washtenaw County between Jan. and Aug. this year have involved cocaine. This is an increase compared to previous years, where under a quarter of opioid deaths involved cocaine each year between 2013 and 2017.

Washtenaw County ranks as the fourth healthiest county in Michigan – and first in factors related to health behaviors and clinical care. But the 2019 County Health Rankings, released today, also show that while there are a lot of opportunities for health in Washtenaw, not everyone benefits.

A small portion of northern Washtenaw County may receive aerial treatment tonight to control for mosquitoes that carry deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE. The Washtenaw County zone will only be sprayed tonight if, due to weather, it is not possible to spray the areas in southwest Michigan prioritized for treatment tonight. All aerial treatment will begin at dusk and conclude by 4:30 am.

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution opposing proposed changes to federal public charge rules. The proposed changes would redefine “public charge” – a legal term used to reject immigrants applying for green cards or temporary visas – to include anyone who accesses any of a number of vital health, nutrition and housing programs. The resolution makes clear that these changes are inconsistent with our county’s values, and would be harmful both to immigrants and our entire community.

Two rabid bats have been found in Washtenaw County so far in 2018. The Washtenaw County Health Department is reminding residents to report any bat exposures or animal bites to 734-544-6700 before letting the animal go.